‘CSI’ Gets A New Ballistics Expert

Curnen will join the cast this season in the second episode “Tell-Tale Hearts,” which airs September 28. Executive Producer Carol Mendelsohn announced the casting during tonight’s CBS Fall Premiere Chat. “New rats this season,” Mendelsohn teased. “Xiomara in ballistics,” she added. The character’s full name is Xiomara Garcia.

The casting comes after a full season without resident ballistics expert Bobby Dawson (Gerald McCullouch). McCullouch last appeared as the character back in season ten’s “Take My Life, Please!” According to Mendelsohn (who was chatting with fans alongside fellow Executive Producer Don McGill), Dawson “transferred to days,” prompting a vacancy that needed to be filled.

While known for her supporting role in Christopher Nolan‘s The Dark Knight, Curnen also appeared on CSI: Miami during season eight.

For more hot topics from the CBS.com chat, stay tuned for CSI Files’ Rachel Trongo‘s report.